News

Wall art promoting drugs awareness sparks controversy on the Mount Estate

Published

3 years ago

July 6, 2023

THE MANAGEMENT of a local community centre has expressed disapproval over a wall painting created by children on the Mount Estate, bearing the message “Drugs Destroys Dreams.”

Mount Community Centre, in response to the artwork, released a statement asserting that the repainting of the “Graffiti wall” at the estate’s entrance was in no way associated with the community center. In fact, an official complaint has been lodged with the Dyfed-Powys police regarding the content, and the concerns have been reported to the PCC (Police and Crime Commissioner). The centre now awaits a response from the authorities. Furthermore, the centre is compiling a list of estate residents who oppose the message being promoted and believe it negatively affects the perception of their community.

To show support in their endeavor to have the artwork removed, individuals are encouraged to visit the center on any Thursday between 11.30 am and 3 pm.

Carol Stevens, a Milford Haven resident, commended the youths and the officers involved in creating the graffiti wall, acknowledging their voluntary efforts. She applauded the strong and clear message conveyed by the artwork, warning against drug usage. Stevens expressed her support for the youth of the town and praised their accomplishments.

Jonathan Brewer, another resident, expressed astonishment at the creativity displayed in the artwork. He viewed it as a powerful yet confrontational statement that highlights the harsh realities and dangers faced by today’s youth. Brewer acknowledged the presence of a gun in the painting, which some may find concerning.

However, he interpreted the artwork as a reflection of the younger generation’s perspective, their concerns, and their means of expressing their thoughts and emotions through art. Brewer cautioned against hasty judgment and urged the community to provide support and listen to the youth, emphasizing the potential harm in destroying their artwork, which could stifle their dreams and voices. He advocated for celebration rather than canceling the work produced by these talented young individuals.

Bill Towler, a resident living on the Mount Estate, expressed frustration on social media over the current state of affairs. Towler pointed out the existence of at least five drug dens in their vicinity and criticized the lack of attention from the police and local council regarding this issue. He deemed the message on the wall disgraceful and suggested that it be changed to reflect a consensus within the community.

Nerys Butland, responding to the controversy on Facebook, shared a personal perspective on the matter. Having experienced the detrimental effects of drugs on her own life and family, she strongly supported the message conveyed by the wall painting. Butland emphasized that drugs undeniably destroy dreams and cause immeasurable harm. She viewed it as a positive development that children were being exposed to this crucial message. Regarding the images depicted, Butland noted instances of needles, foil, and beer cans littering the estate. She asserted that those who turn a blind eye to such problems should consider the broader issues faced daily within the community. Butland suggested focusing efforts on providing AA/drug rehabilitation sessions or organizing courses to keep people occupied, such as adult learning classes, citing the Hubberston center as an example. Furthermore, she clarified that while she no longer resides in the area, she was intimately familiar with its ongoing struggles, which may have worsened over the past 20 years.

The controversy surrounding the graffiti wall has ignited a passionate debate within the community, as various perspectives clash over the message it conveys and its potential impact on the residents of the Mount Estate.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

55 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

3 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.